TempoTec Variations V6 DSD512 Android HIFI Music Player

[silverfishla]

I have been playing around with the device for a week now. It sounds great, certainly a step above anything in it's price range. As far as issues...at first the sound cut in and out (or slight pauses in music) was happening during playback. After a day or two of running it (was planning on returning it) the problem became less, then disappeared. Otherwise, a very fine product. I'm sorry for anyone having issue with theirs, I hate when that happens and there is little response. Truth is, I can't name a Chinese audio dap manufacturer that has top class service (as a customer in the US) mainly because all issues need to be recitified by sending units back to China (which can take weeks at a time) which is not my favorite thing. Wi-fi works great, Bluetooth not only works great but sounds fantastic (which the V1 by Tempotec did too, they must have some soundsig that they're doing, because it sounds a little better than other devices I've used). Music scanning is kind of slow, but I don't need to do that too often. I'll think of other as I go. Bumps up all my iems at least one or two notches in good sound. Actually can't imagine, at this point needing or wanting those to "sound better.

 

[dharmasteve]

I have been playing around with the device for a week now. It sounds great, certainly a step above anything in it's price range. As far as issues...at first the sound cut in and out (or slight pauses in music) was happening during playback. After a day or two of running it (was planning on returning it) the problem became less, then disappeared. Otherwise, a very fine product. I'm sorry for anyone having issue with theirs, I hate when that happens and there is little response. Truth is, I can't name a Chinese audio dap manufacturer that has top class service (as a customer in the US) mainly because all issues need to be recitified by sending units back to China (which can take weeks at a time) which is not my favorite thing. Wi-fi works great, Bluetooth not only works great but sounds fantastic (which the V1 by Tempotec did too, they must have some soundsig that they're doing, because it sounds a little better than other devices I've used). Music scanning is kind of slow, but I don't need to do that too often. I'll think of other as I go. Bumps up all my iems at least one or two notches in good sound. Actually can't imagine, at this point needing or wanting those to "sound better.

I bought a Shanling M3X from a UK company, Elise Audio, and I bought a Cayin RU6 from a UK Company AMP 3,...because I knew if I get problems I've got support. I bought an iBasso DX160, years ago from AMP3, and when it was not up to it I returned it. With the V6 I thought I would support a Kickstarter project for TempoTec. My mistake, sadly. It works so I can listen to music 4.4mm BAL. Sometimes if I'm lucky the 3.5mm works, but I'll only use it 4.4mm. Sound-wise it is exceptional.....including the 3.5mm, built like a tank, with good battery life......just no support. It could be worse, it could have no sound or many other problems, so mine is a small problem compared to the woes of this world. For those of you with one that's 100% that is great, although I'm not sure TempoTec will help you if it goes wrong. That's my point....TempoTec are exporting the V6 around the world...maybe don't buy it from China, use a retailer. It does sound good.

 

[silverfishla]

I bought a Shanling M3X from a UK company, Elise Audio, and I bought a Cayin RU6 from a UK Company AMP 3,...because I knew if I get problems I've got support. I bought an iBasso DX160, years ago from AMP3, and when it was not up to it I returned it. With the V6 I thought I would support a Kickstarter project for TempoTec. My mistake, sadly. It works so I can listen to music 4.4mm BAL. Sometimes if I'm lucky the 3.5mm works, but I'll only use it 4.4mm. Sound-wise it is exceptional.....including the 3.5mm, built like a tank, with good battery life......just no support. It could be worse, it could have no sound or many other problems, so mine is a small problem compared to the woes of this world. For those of you with one that's 100% that is great, although I'm not sure TempoTec will help you if it goes wrong. That's my point....TempoTec are exporting the V6 around the world...maybe don't buy it from China, use a retailer. It does sound good.

Have you tried all the manual type solution for jack problems? Like plugging and unplugging the 4.4 and 3.5 jack in and out with a plug 25/30 times? A little contact cleaner? Hard reset? Updates on firmware? Switching to another player like Neutron or JetAudio and back to Hiby? Just a list of stuff I would do to see if it's a hardware or software snag. When my player was stuttering and cutting out, I first thought maybe the plug was messed up...then it seemed more like a software or cpu glitch. Like I said, my problem cleared itself up. I hope yours ends up doing the same. I would continue to keep trying to make contact, even contact their Alibaba store. Sometimes it takes this kind of persistence with these companies.

 

[ChrisOc]

I bought a Shanling M3X from a UK company, Elise Audio, and I bought a Cayin RU6 from a UK Company AMP 3,...because I knew if I get problems I've got support. I bought an iBasso DX160, years ago from AMP3, and when it was not up to it I returned it. With the V6 I thought I would support a Kickstarter project for TempoTec. My mistake, sadly. It works so I can listen to music 4.4mm BAL. Sometimes if I'm lucky the 3.5mm works, but I'll only use it 4.4mm. Sound-wise it is exceptional.....including the 3.5mm, built like a tank, with good battery life......just no support. It could be worse, it could have no sound or many other problems, so mine is a small problem compared to the woes of this world. For those of you with one that's 100% that is great, although I'm not sure TempoTec will help you if it goes wrong. That's my point....TempoTec are exporting the V6 around the world...maybe don't buy it from China, use a retailer. It does sound good.

I understand your frustration, I would also be frustrated if I were in your position. However, in my experience, most audio manufacturers have a small team of technicians and I imagine soon after launch they will be busy dealing with all sorts of issues. Some could have been caused by, auppliers providing parts which are not quite perfect, or during the rush to assemble, or even in transit.

Having said that, there is no excuse for poor customer service, you should have had a response to your messages by now.

 

[dharmasteve]

Have you tried all the manual type solution for jack problems? Like plugging and unplugging the 4.4 and 3.5 jack in and out with a plug 25/30 times? A little contact cleaner? Hard reset? Updates on firmware? Switching to another player like Neutron or JetAudio and back to Hiby? Just a list of stuff I would do to see if it's a hardware or software snag. When my player was stuttering and cutting out, I first thought maybe the plug was messed up...then it seemed more like a software or cpu glitch. Like I said, my problem cleared itself up. I hope yours ends up doing the same. I would continue to keep trying to make contact, even contact their Alibaba store. Sometimes it takes this kind of persistence with these companies.

I just ordered some contact cleaner from Amazon which comes on Wednesday. I blew down the BAL port and it clears sometimes. As they say in football...if you don't shoot you don't score. A little contact cleaner, hopefully it will be that simple.

 

[lmfboy01]

Had a few days after just receiving the V6, its a pretty impressive hardware, powers my Tri Starshine pretty well. Lo-gain on the WM2 I max out the Vol at 120.

 

[dharmasteve]

Had a few days after just receiving the V6, its a pretty impressive hardware, powers my Tri Starshine pretty well. Lo-gain on the WM2 I max out the Vol at 120.

Have you upgraded to the new firmware? It gives low, middle and high gain.

 

[lmfboy01]

Higher gain in my experience benefits higher frequencies, so the Starshine which is BA+EST actually benefits/vibes better on low gain on the WM2, it might be different for you though with other differences and circumstances

 

[dharmasteve]

Have you tried all the manual type solution for jack problems? Like plugging and unplugging the 4.4 and 3.5 jack in and out with a plug 25/30 times? A little contact cleaner? Hard reset? Updates on firmware? Switching to another player like Neutron or JetAudio and back to Hiby? Just a list of stuff I would do to see if it's a hardware or software snag. When my player was stuttering and cutting out, I first thought maybe the plug was messed up...then it seemed more like a software or cpu glitch. Like I said, my problem cleared itself up. I hope yours ends up doing the same. I would continue to keep trying to make contact, even contact their Alibaba store. Sometimes it takes this kind of persistence with these companies.

So got some contact cleaner delivered by Amazon this morning with a nice thin straw applicator. Firstly sprayed the 4.4 Jack on my my IMR Dark Matter and inserted and removed a few times. Then sprayed into both the 3.5 and 4.4mm ports. Left it to dry itself........Bingo!! It worked. Now the BAL earphone port clears immediately on removal of the balanced jack. It's working normally at the moment. Hopefully it will stay that way. Thanks for your sensible suggestions. The winner here is this community and sadly not TempoTec. In my dealings with various companies, iBasso had exceptionally attentive and personal after care service. IMR Acoustics, the best I know, they are not happy until you are happy (although one usually pre-orders new builds and delivery can take quite some time). FiiO were very involved on Head-Fi. TempoTec sadly are a fail. Their QC may be quite good, and the V6 build quality is solid as a rock, but if buyers do get problems they may well be out on their own, with purely this thread for support. Thanks for your help.

 

[ChrisOc]

So got some contact cleaner delivered by Amazon this morning with a nice thin straw applicator. Firstly sprayed the 4.4 Jack on my my IMR Dark Matter and inserted and removed a few times. Then sprayed into both the 3.5 and 4.4mm ports. Left it to dry itself........Bingo!! It worked. Now the BAL earphone port clears immediately on removal of the balanced jack. It's working normally at the moment. Hopefully it will stay that way. Thanks for your sensible suggestions. The winner here is this community and sadly not TempoTec. In my dealings with various companies, iBasso had exceptionally attentive and personal after care service. IMR Acoustics, the best I know, they are not happy until you are happy (although one usually pre-orders new builds and delivery can take quite some time). FiiO were very involved on Head-Fi. TempoTec sadly are a fail. Their QC may be quite good, and the V6 build quality is solid as a rock, but if buyers do get problems the may well be out on their own, with purely this thread for support. Thanks for your help.

That is one to remember, contact cleaner as a first resort. Hopefully, it is a permanent fix. Fingers crossed.

 

[docentore]

Nice one.

Myself I found an issue that might be deal breaker - WiFi noise. Noticed it few days ago.
I need to play around with the WiFi settings on my router, different channel/frequencies etc.

 

[XTF1]

Nice one.

Myself I found an issue that might be deal breaker - WiFi noise. Noticed it few days ago.
I need to play around with the WiFi settings on my router, different channel/frequencies etc.

What do you mean by WiFi noise? Is it noise affecting the WiFi connection, or WiFi noise affecting the audio? If the later, does it affect LO and PO, and how do you know it is WiFi-related?

 

[lmfboy01]

Have you upgraded to the new firmware? It gives low, middle and high gain.

Yeah I got the new firmware, works great. Just saying Sony doesn’t list it’s players mW, but I prefer low gain on a few sets I own, 75/100 is probably better than 120/120 in this case.

 

[ChrisOc]

Anyone thinking of selling their device, let me know. I am persuaded by your impressions of the sound quality.

 

[dharmasteve]

Something I just changed on the V6. There was a thin plastic layer over the screen when I got it, which I immediately removed. Also there was another tempered layer that can be seen that has more rounded corners on the screen which is maybe meant to be left on. I left it at first but it scratched, so I removed it today......so it now has a bare glass screen, and the scrolling is way faster and the screen looks much better. After having this a few weeks now I can say that the sound quality of the 3.5mm output is exceptional. The whole unit could be smaller it is a heavy lump. Definitely a very good DAP and priced to sell. My Shanling M3X is a better size and also sounds excellent, but for form factor my comparatively small OG HiBy R5 is better than both and still going strong after years. I do recommend the unit, it is built like a brick outhouse, but beware of TempoTec after care, as in my case it does not exist.